Indian Agencies, Police and Hindutva Groups Targeting Kashmiris in India: A Rising Tide of Harassment

The harassment of Kashmiris across India by Indian agencies, police, and Hindutva groups has escalated to disturbing levels. Recent reports reveal that Kashmiri businessmen and students are being targeted, subjected to profiling, and intimidation on an unprecedented scale. This systematic targeting is not an isolated event but part of a larger agenda to suppress Kashmiris both in their homeland and across India. The Indian government, empowered by Hindutva forces, continues to turn a blind eye to these violations, and the international community must intervene to stop this abuse.

Kashmiri Businessmen: Targeted and Harassed Across India

Kashmiri shawl vendors in Himachal Pradesh have faced constant harassment from Hindutva groups and local authorities. These businessmen, who have lived in India for years, are now being targeted, having their bags searched and questioned, accused of carrying weapons or explosives without any evidence.

♦ Hindutva Groups Harassing Kashmiris
Kashmiri shawl vendors are being forced to undergo searches by Hindutva groups, who claim that they pose a threat without any justification. Such harassment creates an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, making it nearly impossible for them to work freely.
♦ State-Sanctioned Intimidation
These actions are backed by local authorities, who are either complicit or actively involved in creating an unsafe environment for Kashmiris. This pattern of profiling and harassment is indicative of a wider agenda to dehumanize Kashmiris.
♦ Kashmiris’ Livelihood at Risk
Many Kashmiri vendors now face restrictions on their ability to move freely. Without police verification, they are unable to continue their business, significantly affecting their livelihoods and economic security.

Kashmiri Students: Facing Intimidation and Profiling in Indian Cities

Kashmiri students studying across India are facing relentless profiling, harassment, and intimidation by Indian agencies and police. They have reported being subject to aggressive verification drives and forced evacuations from their hostels, creating a constant atmosphere of fear and anxiety among them.

♦ Aggressive Profiling and Questioning
Students are often harassed by authorities, forced to answer uncomfortable questions about their background and loyalties. Many have been asked to vacate their rooms without notice, leaving them vulnerable and unsure of their future.
♦ State-Sponsored Fear and Suppression
The Modi-led government has cultivated an atmosphere where Kashmiri students are treated as suspects, simply because of their identity. This policy of targeting Kashmiris has made them feel unwelcome and unsafe in Indian universities.
♦ Hindutva Forces Fueling Division
The influence of Hindutva forces in Indian universities has made it even more difficult for Kashmiri students to voice dissent or engage in normal academic activities. Their struggle for basic rights is being criminalized by the state and its supporters.

The Political Context: The Aftermath of Article 370 Revocation

Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the situation for Kashmiris has become more repressive. The removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the Indian government has paved the way for an unprecedented crackdown on the region’s political dissenters. This has led to increased persecution of Kashmiris across India, both in terms of freedom of movement and political expression.

♦ The State of Repression After August 2019
Following the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmiris in India have faced unjustified profiling and harassment. Their political and social rights have been severely curtailed by both Hindutva groups and Indian agencies.
♦ Political Suppression and Dissent
The Indian state’s targeting of Kashmiris, both in their homeland and in other parts of India, has become more systematic. Those who speak out against the occupation or government policies are branded as militants or terrorists.
♦ Increased Intimidation and Fear
The fear of detention and harassment has made it difficult for Kashmiris to live freely in India. Kashmiri dissenters are constantly watched and profiled, which undermines their basic freedoms and human rights.

The Role of Hindutva in Persecuting Kashmiris

Hindutva ideologies promoted by India’s ruling BJP party have further exacerbated the persecution of Kashmiris. Hindutva groups, including the RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal, have been given carte blanche to harass and target Kashmiris without facing any consequences. This state-sponsored harassment is a deliberate attempt to suppress Kashmiris’ rights and voices.

♦ Hindutva’s Growing Influence Across India
The rise of Hindutva has led to the normalization of violence against Kashmiri Muslims. The government’s lack of action against these extremist groups has enabled them to continue their attacks on Kashmiris across India.
♦ Discriminatory Treatment of Kashmiris
Kashmiri Muslims are consistently marginalized by Hindutva groups, who view them as outsiders or even threats. The government’s failure to stop this persecution has further entrenched communal divisions within Indian society.
♦ State Support for Hindutva Violence
The Indian state not only allows these groups to persecute Kashmiris but also actively supports their actions. This enables a culture of impunity for those committing violence and intimidation.

Conclusion: Exposing India’s Hypocrisy and Holding It Accountable

The systematic harassment and targeting of Kashmiris by Indian authorities and Hindutva groups have reached new heights. India’s blatant violation of human rights and failure to protect Kashmiris must be exposed. The world must stop tolerating India’s repressive tactics and demand accountability. Kashmiris have the right to self-determination, and their struggle for freedom must be recognized by the international community. Until India is held accountable for its actions, the persecution of Kashmiris will continue unchecked.